In a great duel between goalkeepers Keylor Navas and Guillermo Ochoa, Costa Rica came just one step away from the 2018 World Cup by drawing 1-1 with a Mexican team that was already qualified and played a serious game.
An own goal from Cristian Gamboa gave Mexico the advantage in the 42nd minute, and in the 83rd minute, a cannon shot from Marco Ureña, to which Ochoa could do nothing, sealed the final draw.
With two matches remaining, Mexico, already qualified for the World Cup with 18 points, leads the hexagonal followed by Costa Rica (15), Panama (10), the United States (9), Honduras (9), and Trinidad and Tobago (3).
The first three places will qualify for the 2018 World Cup and the fourth place team will play a playoff against an Asian opponent.
Costa Rica vs Mexico – Lineups
Costa Rica: Navas, Gamboa, Calvo, Acosta, Waston, Oviedo, Guzmán, Borges, Bolaños, Ruiz, Ureña.
Mexico: Ochoa, Gallardo, Moreno, Pereira, Reyes, Jona, Guardado, Edson, Lozano, Jiménez, Gio.
Stadium: National Stadium of Costa Rica (San José).
EFE